De Villiers has been banned for two ODI matches in terms of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct for slow over rates following the first match in the Momentum ODI series against New Zealand at Boland Park on Saturday.

James Franklin helped New Zealand to a sensational 1 wicket win over South Africa in the first ODI at Paarl. After bowling out the Proteas for 208, the Kiwis were in dire straits but the New Zealand lower order pulled off a stunning victory for the visitors.

Young bizhub Highveld Lion's wicket-keeper, Quinton de Kock will assume the responsibility behind the stumps, giving de Villiers more time to explore his leadership and to communicate with his bowlers on the field.

Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel wreaked havoc with the new ball and blew apart the New Zealand middle and lower order within a session on Day 4 to register a crushing victory by an innings and 193 runs in the 2nd and final Test at Port Elizabeth, thereby sweeping the series 2-0.